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Crews rescue selfie-seeking siblings stranded on top of Scarborough Bluffs

Toronto fire crews called to help at least 31 people in the Bluffs over past three years.

Fire crews rescued a brother and sister out to take a selfie at the Scarborough Bluffs on Sunday. (@Tomnastos/Twitter)

By Alanna RizzaBryann AguilarStaff Reporter

Mon., July 10, 2017

Emergency services are reminding the public of the dangers of the Scarborough Bluffs after two siblings got stranded there while trying to take a selfie.

Crews needed five fire trucks and 20 firefighters to rescue the 21-year-old man and his 20-year-old sister at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

The pair were lowered with harnesses and ropes one at a time, and reached safety at around 8:30 p.m., officials said. Neither was injured.

They were both charged with trespassing bylaw offences. The maximum fine is $5,000.

Toronto police Const. Victor Kwong said the pair climbed the Bluffs despite multiple warning signs about the dangers of the site.

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Kwong said police have received numerous calls about people getting into dangerous spots to take photos, or just for a thrill, and it wastes police resources.

Toronto fire Capt. Michael Westwood said rescues involving heights put both both those being rescued and firefighters in danger.

“It is dangerous for emergency services because the Bluffs are very steep and it has rough terrain,” said Westwood.

In the past three years, Toronto fire crews have received 42 calls for rescue in the area, with at least 31 people being saved — three so far in 2017.

Kim McKinnon of Toronto paramedics said they will respond when members of the public are in trouble, and specifically when they are suffering a medical emergency.

“All we ask is that the public do their best to prevent injury when they can,” McKinnon said. “We want everyone to get home safety from whatever fun they are having this summer, including at the Scarborough Bluffs.”

Earlier this year, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority warned residents and tourists to avoid the area due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall.

Another rescue that drew attention was that of Marisa Lazo, a 23-year-old who got stuck after climbing a crane in downtown Toronto in April. She faces six criminal charges.

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